Bow thrusters are not a hang-over from the 1970s disco craze of Danny and Sandy! They serve as substantial propellers located beneath ships, often causing significant issues and heartbreak for ports. Regardless of being on the port or starboard side, finding a solution is crucial to break away from the Status Quo, addressing revetment and toe-scouring problems, and preventing their recurrence time and time again.
With ships increasing in size twofold in recent years, bow thrusters have also grown, creating a need for protective measures for wharf scouring.
Every port authority aims to accommodate vessels of various shapes and sizes, with plans to upscale to handle the massive new ULCVs and cruise ships,
all while safeguarding port assets. Nonetheless, this poses a significant challenge. However, the Bluemont Rock Bags™ have provided a swift and cost-effective solution for this port authority, allowing them to upscale their wharf to accommodate any ship size without encountering any issues with toe scour. Now, they are fully prepared for the next T-Birds to dock.
How Bow Thrusters Damage Ports
Bow thrusters cause damage to port wharves due to their powerful force. When ships maneuver into ports, these bow thrusters control the vessel’s lateral movement, aiding in docking and navigation.
The main issue, however, arises from the water pressure generated by the bow thrusters during their operation. As the thrusters direct this high-pressure water towards the port wharves, it creates a forceful impact on the structures. Over time, this pressure erodes the wharf’s revetment, causing dire scour issues that need to be addressed.
Additionally, the intense water currents caused by the bow thrusters create toe scouring, weakening the wharf’s foundation – making it susceptible to damage and instability.
As we mentioned before, ships have become larger – and so have their bow thrusters, exacerbating the potential for damage to port wharves. Port authorities face the challenge of accommodating these bigger vessels while protecting their valuable assets.
Our Bluemont Rock Bags™ act as protective barriers, absorbing the force from bow thrusters and reducing the impact on the wharves – just like our team did at the Lyttelton Port in New Zealand’s South Island.
Find more info on how Bluemont Rock Bags™ are the latest, most durable, and best scour solution:
Get in touch to learn more on how we can help with erosion remediation. You can also call +61 2 9091 0360 or email info@rockbags.com.au or info@rockbags.nz. We operate in Australian, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
